touchscreens | video; some action in the end

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video; some action in the end

[The video option of the transmission will be used as an exhausted and sweaty individual will appear upon the screen. The first thing everyone will notice is the distance between the individual and the device used to transmit messages, it was clear that he was extremely close to the device as his hand is currently holding onto the top of the object for dear life -- he was using the phone booth as a way to keep himself steady and was currently having a difficult time breathing. He is rapidly breathing in and out, as though each breath might be his last. His gaze will look weak. It was clear that he was having a difficult time using the device as his focus does not seem, well, very focused. Actually, he is still wondering if the device was even working...

Once he was able to calm his breathing and uneasiness, he will offer a weak, but polite smile. It was clear from his gaze that he was currently helpless as he was in a later stage of the withdrawal sickness.]

Good evening. I apologize for unexpectedly taking much of your time by transmitting this message, but...I do not believe I will be able to speak at a more convenient time. [A short pause as he felt the dizziness take him over again. His smile will weaken even more as he takes another step closer to the device. At this rate, it feels as though he will lose his consciousness soon.] My name is Soushi Miketsukami. It has been almost three weeks ever since I have arrived to this... [He is still uncertain over if he was in a new country or city or continent all together.] ....quaint city. I am certain many of you are in the same predicament as myself. It is the reason that motivated me to finally speak because I wish to trade information....if you would like....

[But first, he needs to loosen a button from his white dress shirt. He really was feeling sick and even hot.]

How much has been found out over the situation? Like the reason for our sudden arrival? Or even the location of our current whereabouts? It is to my understanding that we were told over our mission was to be affectionate towards one another. Other information was not disclosed.... [And the nauseousness will return as he stops speaking for a moment, using his other hand to hold his head. How was he even able to stand after speaking so much? Much less get out of bed enough to leave his apartment, find a phone booth, and speak.] ...if you have any information to offer, then, if it is within your desire to share your knowledge, then I will be heavily indebted to you....especially if it will be the key needed to return home. [...] There is someone I need to return to...any help will truly....indeed....be greatly appreciated.... [Again, his expression will look a touch bit desperate, anxious, and lonely as he says the next line:] ...even if I do not deserve such a luxury....

[After a long pause as he ponders over his words, he will return his attention to the video transmission as he closes his eyes. Please pretend he is bowing!]

...thank you for your time....

[The transmission will end soon after.]

[And if anyone was out and about in the late evening hours, they will soon find a fallen individual, wearing a white kimono that happens to have nine tails and a pair of fox ears, on the ground as he has finally passed out from his current exhaustion and advanced withdrawal symptoms. Will you help him?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It will take some time for Soushi to respond to any of Shinju's words as he is trying to enjoy the comforts of the couch beneath him. He needed to try and allow his mind to regain some strength to ponder over specific statements. Luckily, he was beginning to feel better, the feeling of wanting to fall back asleep was now gone. He still felt feverish and light-headed though. It would seem it will take a while before those symptons will disappear.

Even so, once the world didn't seem so hazy or dizzy, then Soushi will begin to speak.]

Destroyed? [He didn't sound as startled by the idea of his country being gone as he would like, but he did sound a bit curious though.] How? When?

[After hearing Shinju's response over Ririchiyo, a crestfallen expression will appear as he couldn't help realize more and more that she was not in Seong Song, or whatever the city's name was known as.]

I see. [His expression will look elsewhere as he thought about it.] No. There is no need....I am absolutely certain that she is not here. Or else, I would have been able to find her. [It's for the best, was all Soushi could ponder to himself as it...might be best if they were not left alone. It was clear she was trying to keep her distance from him for the last half year. If she did not wish to get to know him or deepen their relationship, then he will not try to be overbearing by trying to force his affections onto her. His expression will change into a more serious one the more he thought about it. It really did hurt him. It hurt having to hope for his master not to appear, only because he felt hurt over her sudden change in behavior. Those letters really did change everything.]

Even so, thank you very much for your thoughtful sentiments. I do hope...I will be able to...someday... [A wistful smile will appear as he thought about his words a little further.]

[Soushi is starting to look better, even if it's just slightly, and it helps alleviate the worry Shinju is feeling. Maybe he can help, after all.

He nods at the question, then scratches his head and furrows an eyebrow, wondering how to explain.] Well, it was about two thousand years ago... nobody really knows the details, but it was part of the world that became inhabitable... as far as I know, anyway. [He shrugs; it's pretty much just vague history book stuff to him.] Some of the language and culture still survive in different places, though. [As if his name didn't make that obvious.

He definitely notices the change in expression. Attempts to encourage Soushi, go!]

Well, don't worry. Maybe you'll get to see her soon. I'm sure she feels lucky to have someone so dedicated to her. [Though his initial words made it seem as though he was a servant of sorts, he could tell there were deeper feelings than just for an employer.]

Two thousand years ago? [Well, that certainly did catch his attention as he looks at the other male with surprise. It would seem like he was feeling slightly better. Maybe.] How..? [His gaze will turn more serious. It was not difficult to begin to wonder if the other male was only pulling his leg now.] What year are you from? The Japan from my era...it's still present...

[Although, there is the matter known as cthe Hyakkiyakou threatening his world, so maybe....it was caused by it? His expression will turn grim at the thought.]

...are you...human, by any chance?

[The attempt to encourage him will be appreciated, but...he could not help feel slightly hurt by it. If only he could say "it was suppose to be", but had decided to remain silent over the matter. Instead he will weakly offer a polite smile and nod.]

Possibly. Ririchiyo-sama...is the type to never take anything for granted. [His smile will grow somewhat the more he thought about it.] She is sincere with her emotions, and would never string anyone along. If she wishes for you to remain by her side, then she makes it known...in her own way... [And that is all he will say over the topic.]

If my next inquiry does not disturb you, do you have family or acquaintances in the city alongside you?

[It's clear Soushi is taking the matter quite seriously, and he's a bit surprised by it. He'd been assuming everyone was just from different worlds, but... he guessed it wouldn't be terribly far-fetched if he was from someone's future.] It was the beginning of 2033 PR before I showed up here. [He's a little intrigued by the next question, but he has met non-humans, so:] I am.

[He listens quietly to Soushi speak about his master, wondering if he really managed to help cheer him up. There was the slight smile, at least.

He merely shrugs half-heartedly at the question, looking away.] No. If there was someone from my world here, I probably wouldn't know them or want to encounter them.

2033 PR? [Wait, if this boy was from two thousand years from the future, then the date did not sound accurate as he was from the year 2012. Unless...] What does the PR stand for? Does it hold some type of significance? I have never heard of such a term being used...

[There will be silence at Soushi's end as he listens to the other boy over not knowing his family or wishing to encounter them. It somehow touched a part of his life that he wished to forget about...]

...if I may... [He begins to ponder over the idea to ask for more information about it, but then his own troubles with his family will go through his own mind. Maybe it's best not to question it, was all he could mentally tell himself before he decides to change the subject.] What should I do if I ever encounter someone from your world asking for you? If you wish, I can offer you my assistance in evading them... [All said in his usual polite demeanor. It would seem he will not pry over the subject, but he will help if the other boy wishes for it.]

Post Revival. It was established once civilization started to rebuild. [He pauses a moment, then decides to try an reassure Soushi.] To be honest, I don't really think we're from the same world.

[Shinju looks surprised at the offer then gives a grateful smile.] Thank you. If anyone asks about me, just say you haven't heard of me... that's all I can ask.

[He looks around briefly to locate the elevators, thinking they should probably try to head up before too long. Hopefully Soushi would have enough energy for that soon.]

I am beginning to believe so, as well. [It was clear from the younger boy's words that he might not be from his world. Yet, if that was the case, was it really possible for them to be from two different worlds instead of locations? If that was the case, then...] ...do you believe this is a different world too?

[He will continue to ponder over the thought of it because he was not entirely certain if he could believe it. Either way, it might be best to not try to fully comphrehend his situation. Not when he still had a fever and headache.]

Very well. I will do just that. [There will be more thought as he adds:] I'll warn you beforehand, if anyone begins to search for you.

[He might as well offer his help to him. After all, he was under his debt for having assisted him like this.]

...do you wish to rest a little while longer? [It would seem as though Soushi took notice of his attention being on the elevators.]

I think I do. It's hard to believe, but I haven't met anyone who seems to be familiar with my world. As far as I know, anyway.

[He gives a nod.] Thank you... I really appreciate it. Let me know if I can do something for you, too.

I'm alright to go if you are. Better to get to your own bed sooner, right?

[Shaking his head, he will offer another amused expression.]

There is no need. I would never dare request for more assistance. You've done more than I could ever repay.

[As for his question over wishing to rest in the safety of his room, Soushi will begin to slowly rise to his feet as he tries to move. He did not feel as light-headed as before, but he does feel slightly nauseous. Realizing that he might need some help, at least in keeping his balance, he will turn to the other boy with an apologetic smile.]

Certainly...we should continue. I apologize for requesting more of your assistance, it would seem...I will need your arm to help keep myself balanced.

[Shinju sighed, wishing Soushi had accepted his offer, but he didn't push it. It wasn't an immediate issue, in any case.]

Alright.

[When Soushi stood, he watched to make sure he wasn't about to topple over, getting to his own feet. He gave a shrug to indicate it wasn't a problem before moving to steady the man.]

I'm glad to help. It's good you can stay on your feet better than before, at least.

Yes...

[He will offer a smile at the thought.]

It should now be easier to navigate to the elevator. A thought that eases my guilt-filled heart... [As he felt some guilt in being unable to help Shinju with helping him...if that was even possible.]

I apologize for being unable to do more... [Just as he expresses his apology, he can feel his legs begin to feel like jelly, so he will begin to have some trouble walking again.]

[He put an arm around Soushi to help him stay on his feet.]

Really--it's no problem. You don't have to apologize. Surprisingly enough, I actually like helping people.

[It was an attempt to lighten the mood, even if it didn't work. But he began to step toward the elevator regardless.]

Let's go.

...nevertheless, for you to help someone in my current sta--

[Just before Soushi was able to say any more, his throat will begin to slightly sting. It would seem as thought his body was reminding him to slow down as it was trying to fight off whatever it was he currently had. He will begin to try and clear his throat while he continue to follow Shinji towards the elevators.

Once they were there, Soushi will reach towards the button as he wanted to offer his companion a little more assistance. Luckily, it was not a long wait for the steel doors to open.]

...there isn't many of us...is there?

[He couldn't help begin to wonder if only outsiders from other worlds lived within the apartment buildings. There was no time to ask around, but he had a hunch he was not wrong neither.]

[He took in a breath once they stepped in the elevator, hitting the button for the fourth floor and taking a moment to gather his thoughts.]

You know, at first I thought there were a lot of us. But... now that we're not all stuck in the same area... I think you're right.

[This whole place was strangely half-empty. Sure, most of the city was without power, but where did all those people go? Had they... just died, or been relocated? There didn't seem to be enough space in the two powered districts to house an entire city's worth of people, whether outsiders were there or not.]

[The elevator will begin to rise while Soushi was trying to gather his thoughts over the matter of the abnormality of the city.]

...there is only a handful of us within this world. I have only spoken to the natives that were by the area we were brought to. None of them offered any useful information over the matter. [In fact, there was very little to be said over the city. They did not answer many of his questions at all.] Other than the basic info most of us learned from the letters...

[He will continue to ponder over the idea until the final ring from the elevator indicating they have arrived to their desired floor, the doors will open.]

I gather you have been within this world for a month, at least, correct? If that is the case, have you gotten ill? [His mismatched gaze will be on the other boy as he observes him closely.] You do not look ill...

I know what you mean. Even though I got a job at a restaurant near the river, I... haven't learned a lot about this place. With the way people who live here treat me, I feel sort of... well. [It was obvious, but--] Out of place.

[He took a brief breath before helping Soushi step out of the elevator. They were in the home stretch...

He looked to Soushi at his question, feeling somewhat unnerved by his stare (the gold eye especially), but he kept it from showing.] No, I've been keeping up with the... contact requirement, I suppose. A few friends that I made and my job helps a lot with that. I wasn't really willing to take the risk of not doing it and getting sick.

[Listening to most of what the other boy was explaining, Soushi could not help begin to realize that maybe he should begin to find a job to keep Murai and himself afloat; at least, for a while.]

...it sounds like a wonderful idea... [It won't be long until he adds.] In having found work, I mean. Do you believe they are still looking for additional assistance?

[His expression will turn a little bit friendlier before his gaze will fall to the ground as he begins to ponder over the idea of remaining in the world he was now trapped in. He couldn't help wonder if his master had returned and was feeling concern over his sudden disappearance or anger over his lack of obedience. It was difficult to not think of her.]

...how long do you believe we will remain here for? Have our patrons spoken of a return date? [He had a feeling they didn't, but he couldn't help wonder about it nevertheless.]

[Shinju gave him a nod.] I think so, but even if where I'm working isn't, I'm sure you can find work somewhere. They've got more potential customers now, after all.

[He took a moment to ponder the question.] They haven't mentioned anything, no. You could probably try to ask, but... I'm not even sure they know when everything will be working again.

...I'll definitely give it a try.

[And with a genuine smile appearing on his lips.]

Thank you very much for answering my trivial questions. It's quite appreciative.

[His gaze will turn ahead as he takes notice of the proximity of his door. A relieved smile will appear upon noticing it.]

...it would seem as we finally arrived to our destination. [His gaze will slightly weakened, but it won't be long until he begins to smile again.] What a relief. I am certain Murai-sama must be filled with concern over the reason behind his meal not having been served to him yet.

[He smiled back, glad to see Soushi in better spirits.]

It's nothing, really. I was glad to.

[Shinju's eyes turn to the door as well, and as he takes the key he took from Soushi out of his pocket, he glances to his own room down the hall; it's really not that far.]

Y-yeah, thankfully. [He pauses a moment as he puts the key in the lock.] Murai?

[If Shinji is able to hear, there will be a muffled sounds by the other side of the door that were crying out "Miketsukami" several times before adding "Doggie" a few more times as well. Soushi will simply offer a smile as he takes notice of the muffled voice.]

Murai-sama. He is...Ririchiyo-sama's most precious friend and treasure. [He will knock at the door weakly to announce his presence to the one at the other side.] I am looking after him until I am able to return him to his rightful master.

[And that is all he has to say as he begins to lift himself off Shinji as he takes a hold of a close wall, beginning to breath in and out as he is trying to calm his fever a bit as to not worry Murai.]

Please open the door, Shinji-san. I need to serve him now before he begins to riot. [More like, Murair won't let him sleep if he doesn't feed him now.]

[If Shinju didn't know any better, he'd have thought there was a person named Murai behind the door, but thankfully, he's heard enough birds to recognize the shrill note to the voice, and he can piece together Soushi's hints.]

S-sure. [He opens the door, holding it open for Soushi.] I guess if someone can bring a dragon here, it's not that far-fetched for someone to bring a smaller pet...

[Heading toward Murai's cage, which was placed in the middle of the apartment, Soushi will begin to sooth Murai's nerves as he promises to offer him an extra portion of the creature's dinner in exchange for his good behavior. The bird will listen to the older man as he simply offers a bird sound as agreement to his plea.

Returning his attention to Shinju, Soushi will offer him an inquisitive smile.]

A dragon? [How did he miss that?] There is someone within this world who possesses a dragon as a pet? How does it look like?

[While Shinju answers, Soushi will slowly head to the kitchen, in order, to find the mynah bird's dinner.]

Y-yeah, um... it's... [He struggled to find the right word, remembering the wyvern staring him in the face and offering her his water.] ... big. Err, big enough to ride, I mean.

[He didn't miss Soushi's slow advance into the kitchen, and moved to follow him and place a hand on his shoulder.]

Here, let me help. What do you need? [Normally he'd ask if he could help, but he was getting an idea of Soushi's personality; he didn't figure the older man would just say "sure" if he had asked.]

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